10 ways to prepare for the 2020 AGPT application process​

The AGPT program selection process is jointly led by the ACRRM and the RACGP, and each college runs its own merit-based process to select applicants for their program. The Department of Health is responsible for assessing your eligibility for the AGPT Program.

The following tips will help get you on the right path to becoming a GP.

1.Choose your College and Fellowship

The first thing you need to decide is which college and fellowship to pursue, as you’ll be applying directly to the college of your choice. Selection into the program, for either the RACGP or ACRRM fellowships, is merit-based and competitive. These colleges differ in the fellowships and training opportunities they offer, so it is best to read up on both before you apply.

2.Decide which pathway to take

There are two pathways to choose from, and GPTQ can train you on both.

The General Pathway is highly popular and therefore highly competitive. It allows you to train anywhere within our region, including metropolitan practices in Brisbane, Ipswich or the Gold Coast.

The Rural Pathway is for registrars who are interested in both a rural lifestyle and rural and remote medicine. It provides training and experience in general practice medicine across regional, rural and remote locations.

You can complete any fellowship on the Rural Pathway and, once trained, you can practice anywhere in Australia.

3.Research training providers, locations and practices

The Department of Health has contracted nine regional training organisations (RTOs), across 11 training regions throughout Australia, to deliver GP training. Each RTO is responsible for training delivered within its geographical region.

Each RTO delivers the same educational program to curriculum and standards set by the Colleges. However, the way it is delivered may differ for each RTO. For example, at GPTQ, we provide small group training led by a medical educator. (Check out our GP educators here.)

When making your decision, consider where you want to train and the different ways each RTO delivers its training.

You can choose up to four RTOs in your preferences for training providers. If you choose GPTQ (SE QLD) for both the Rural Pathway and General Pathway, that equals two preferences.

As with most specialties, there is an application fee. This is payable once the Department of Health assesses your eligibility and you move through to the selection process.

The fees for eligible applicants in the 2020 intake are $770 for ACRRM and $725 for RACGP payable to the respective College upon confirmation of eligibility by the Department of Health.

5.Organise your references

Both ACRRM and RACGP will ask you for the details of two referees who can comment on your skills, experience and suitability for general practice. This might be a GP or medical superintendent, for example.

ACRRM has a rigorous referee checking system that allocates points to applicants based on referees’ responses. ACRRM asks your referees to complete an online response which takes about an hour.

You should choose your referees carefully and brief them on the process and expectations thoroughly beforehand. They need to be aware of what is required of them, including the time it will take to fill in any forms or participate in interviews.

6.Respond to ACRRM’s selection criteria (if applying to ACRRM)

There are three key steps in the application process for ACRRM: completion of the eligibility process, submission of a written application to the College by 29 April 2019, and participation at face-to-face multiple mini interviews (MMIs) on one of three weekends (as decided by the RTO) between Saturday 29 June and Sunday 14 July 2019 in your region of first preference.

ACRRM’s selection criteria for registrars training under the AGPT program includes demonstrating: a commitment to a career as a GP in rural or remote Australia; the capacity and motivation to acquire the abilities, skills and knowledge to practice as a rural GP; a connection with rural communities; a commitment to meeting the needs of rural and remote communities; and personal attributes for a career in rural or remote practice.

There are two main phases in RACGP’s selection process. The first is the Candidate Assessment Applied Knowledge Test (CAAKT) and the second is attending an interview process (MMI or panel interviews). The CAAKT is a 2.5-hour online test (held 27-29 June 2019) and your score will determine your ranking. You must obtain a minimum score to proceed further to interview, offer and acceptance stages. Scores will be announced on 11 July 2019 followed by a preference change phase closing on 16 June 2019. The preference change phase allows candidates to rearrange the four preferences in their application form based on their scores and position in a preference distribution matrix. This matrix can be viewed through the through the online portal.

8.Think about your Plan B if you don’t get your first preference

If you’re not offered your first College or RTO preference, you will need to think about your next steps. GPTQ can help you plan and think about your options and will assist you with useful resources including our FAQs, explainer videos and GP interviews.

Both Colleges will make you a written offer via email following a successful completion of the selection process. You then have seven days to accept the offer in writing. Please monitor your emails including the junk folder so as not to miss out.

10.Keep an eye on key dates

Application closing dates, and other key dates for GP training, like most medical training, are not flexible. If you miss any of these dates, you will need to wait until the next intake to reapply.

The application process closes at 10 AM AEST on 29 April 2019.

The full application process is outlined on the RACGPand ACRRMwebsites. We will also update you on the GPTQ website.